Expertise · 04

Sleep Apnea
Jaw Surgery

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA)

Moving the jaws forward to open the airway.

What is
sleep apnea?

In obstructive sleep apnea, the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep. Breathing pauses, oxygen drops and sleep is disrupted — often without the person knowing.

For some people, the size and position of the jaws is a major part of the problem.

How MMA works

Move the jaws,
open the airway.

MMA moves both the upper and lower jaws forward. The tongue and soft tissues are attached to the jaws, so they move forward too — enlarging the airway behind them.

Because it changes the jaws, it also changes the face. That change is planned deliberately, in 3D, with the whole face in mind.

Case example · Evaluation

Measuring the airway.

A CT-based airway analysis finds the narrowest point. Here, a retruded lower jaw and steep jaw angle sit behind a constricted airway.

Sagittal CT airway analysis with the airway shaded pink and the narrowest cross-section marked
Airway analysis
Side view of a 3D skull model showing a retruded lower jaw and steep mandibular plane
Skeletal pattern · high angle, retruded jaw

Who may be a candidate

MMA may be an option if you:

The pathway

From diagnosis to deeper sleep.

  1. 1

    Sleep study

    A confirmed diagnosis, coordinated with your sleep physician.

  2. 2

    Evaluation

    3D imaging of the airway, jaws and face.

  3. 3

    3D planning

    Airway, bite and facial balance planned together.

  4. 4

    Surgery

    Both jaws moved forward, as planned.

  5. 5

    Follow-up study

    After recovery, a repeat sleep study measures the result.

Related Jaw Surgery & Asymmetry → Comprehensive Facial Surgery →

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